Estes man organizes fundraiser for paralyzed friend

By Anthony Welch

Trail-Gazette

Posted:
02/17/2016 04:18:52 PM MST

Jesse LaBore, of Estes Park, created the Lifted Trucks Colorado club when he moved to Colorado back in August. (Courtesy photo)

Members of the Lifted Trucks Colorado club are very passionate about their trucks. Much more important than that, however, is the camaraderie enjoyed by all at club events, according to club creator Jesse LaBore.

When he moved to Estes Park with his family from Minnesota this past summer, LaBore was looking to make friends. He ran a successful truck club in Minnesota and decided to start up his own club here in Colorado.

"We're growing pretty rapidly. We're the largest truck group in Colorado right now," LaBore said. "We're very family-oriented. We like taking care of our members."

That's why this Saturday, Feb. 20, the club will host a benefit car/truck show for one of its own. Member Justin Akers, 21, of Fort Collins, was paralyzed when he was crushed in the truck of his cab in an early morning rollover accident.

The event will take place noon to 4 p.m. at Fossil Ridge High School, 5400 Ziegler Road in Fort Collins. Registration fee to enter a car or truck is $10.

The goal is to raise money to help renovate Akers' home and make it handicap accessible, LaBore said. The event will feature awards and prizes, as well as a dynamometer, where participants can gauge how much horsepower their rides are putting out. The club also will collect donations.

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"People can bring cars, trucks, bikes ... whatever anybody wants to bring. A few people are bringing tractors," LaBore said. "The main focus is to put the money towards his family. (Akers) is strong spirited. He believes he's going to walk again."

When LaBore isn't busy helping his parents Brian and Penny run their business, the Estes Ark, he attends Lincoln Tech College and plans to pursue an automotive career.

Justin Akers, of Fort Collins, was paralyzed when he was crushed in the cab of his truck in a rollover accident. (Courtesy photo)

Lifted Trucks Colorado puts on meets across the state. Typical events usually draw 120 to 150 vehicles, according to LaBore. Back in December, the club hosted a Toys for Tots event and managed to collect toys. It was a new record for Larimer County donations, LaBore mentioned.

"It's like another lifestyle. A lot of people look at their trucks like their kids," he added. "I've made a lot of friends just from creating this group."

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